Control, Clean, and Inspect for Better Indoor Air

Jun 08, 2009

In honor of National Home Safety Week, which begins June 13, Servpro is offering tips to help people improve the condition of the air in their homes.

"People simply assume the air in their homes is pure, but all too often that is far from the case," said Rick Isaacson, executive vice president of Servpro Industries, Inc. "Dirty air ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout homes, resulting in a variety of health conditions ranging from mild to severe."

Isaacson recommends the following tips for safeguarding homes against dangerous airborne contaminants:

Control moisture—Mold is more likely to spread when an environment has been subject to moisture for a long time. Correct any water leaks or standing water, including water under cooling coils of air handling units. If humidifiers are used, make sure they are properly maintained.

Clean and replace filters—Air conditioning filters should be cleaned or replaced as frequently as every month. Some filters can easily be hosed off or rinsed in the sink. Fiberglass filters, however, can't be reused but can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

Inspect ducts —If necessary, hire a professional to assess the condition of your home's ductwork, the airways that transfer the hot and cold air throughout your house. Ducts can be brushed and vacuumed and air can be filtered through a HEPA filtration system in order to help ensure optimum decontamination.